Nek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nek
|
|
|---|---|
Nek in concerto a Assago
|
|
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Filippo Neviani |
| Born | 6 January 1972 |
| Origin | Sassuolo, Modena, Italy |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) |
|
| Instruments |
|
| Years active | 1991–present |
| Labels | Fonit Cetra, Don't Worry, Warner Music Group |
Filippo Neviani (born on January 6, 1972), known as Nek, is a famous Italian singer, songwriter, and musician. He is very popular in Italy and in countries where people speak Spanish. Nek has released most of his albums in both Italian and Spanish.
Nek became famous around the world in 1997. He took part in the Sanremo Music Festival with his song "Laura non c'è". Even though he didn't win, this song became a huge hit in Europe and Latin America. His fourth album, Lei, gli amici e tutto il resto, sold millions of copies. It was also his first album recorded in Spanish. Many years later, in 2015, he returned to the Sanremo Festival with "Fatti avanti amore" and came in second place.
Throughout his career, Nek has released thirteen studio albums and forty-eight singles. Some of his hit songs include "Sei solo tu", "Almeno stavolta", and "Lascia che io sia". It is believed that he has sold over 10 million records worldwide.
Nek's Early Life and Music Journey
Growing Up and First Bands (1972–1991)
Filippo Neviani was born in Sassuolo, Modena, Italy, on January 6, 1972. He started playing drums, bass, and guitar when he was nine years old. He loved country music artists like John Denver and later Sting.
In the late 1980s, Nek began playing in small clubs. He was in a country music band called "Winchester." Later, he joined a soft-rock band called "White Lady." In 1991, he started his solo career. He came in second place at the Castrocaro Music Festival. This festival was a big chance for new artists to become known.
Becoming a Star: First Albums and International Success (1992–1999)
Nek got his stage name in 1992 when he released his first album, also called Nek. This album was released by the famous record company Fonit Cetra. His second album, In te, came out later. It included a song called "Figli di chi," which was also performed by Mietta at the Sanremo Festival in 1993.
In 1994, Nek released his third album, Calore umano. He also came in second at the Festival Italiano with his song "Angeli nel ghetto." That same year, he won his first big award, the European Award, for being the best young Italian pop artist. He shared this award with Giorgia.
Nek then signed a contract with WEA, which is now Warner Music Group. In 1996, he released his fourth album, Lei, gli amici e tutto il resto. In 1997, he went to the Sanremo Music Festival again with "Laura non c'è". Even though he didn't win, the song became the biggest hit of the festival.
The huge success of "Laura non c'è" made his album Lei, gli amici e tutto il resto sell incredibly well. It sold over 600,000 copies in Italy alone. Nek also started to become popular in other parts of Europe. A Spanish version of his album was released, and he sold many albums in Spain and France. By 1998, his album had sold over a million copies in Europe.
His music also became popular in Switzerland, Belgium, Austria, Portugal, Sweden, Finland, and Germany. Nek became a major international artist when his album was released in Latin America. In countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico, "Laura no está" (the Spanish version) became a hit song.
Nek's fifth album, In due, came out in June 1998. It was released at the same time in Europe, Latin America, and Japan. The song "Se io non-avessi te" quickly became a top seller. The album sold very well in Italy, Spain, and other parts of Europe. In 1999, Nek toured Italy, Europe, and Latin America, and his concerts were very popular.
New Albums and Continued Success (2000–2007)
Nek's sixth album, La vita è, was released in 2000. It reached number eight in Italy and number seven in Switzerland. Two years later, in 2002, his seventh album, Le cose da difendere, came out. It reached number four in Italy and stayed in the top 5 for four weeks.
In 2003, Nek released his first collection of greatest hits, The Best of Nek: L'anno zero. This album celebrated his first 10 years in music. It included songs from his previous albums and two new songs, "Almeno stavolta" and "L'anno zero." The album sold over 300,000 copies in Italy. "Almeno stavolta" was a very popular song. Nek went on a tour in Europe and Latin America in 2004.
His eighth studio album, Una parte di me, was released in 2005. It reached number three in Italy and Switzerland. Nek also performed at the Live 8 concert, which was a big event to help people. His tour for the new album sold out in many Italian cities.
The album included the hit single "Lascia che io sia...", which won the Festivalbar award that year. The song was one of Italy's top ten selling singles. In 2007, Nek re-recorded the Spanish version of this song, "Para ti sería...", with the Spanish band "El Sueño de Morfeo". This song became number one in Spain.
In 2006, Nek released his ninth album, Nella stanza 26. It reached number five in Italy and Switzerland. The album featured the hit single "Instabile." In 2007, Nek received the Lunezia "Poesia del Rock" award for his song "Nella stanza 26."
More Music and Milestones (2008–2012)
In 2008, Nek recorded a duet of "Walking Away" with Craig David. This song was included in Craig David's Greatest Hits album.
On January 30, 2009, Nek released Un'altra direzione, his tenth album. It was his first album to reach the top of the charts. The album included 12 new songs and "Walking Away." The first single from the album was "La voglia che non-vorrei." Nek also joined a group of artists called Artisti Uniti to sing on a charity song called "Domani 21/04.09." This song helped victims of the 2009 L'Aquila earthquake.
In 2010, Nek released Greatest Hits 1992–2010: E da qui. This album collected songs from his 20-year career and included three new songs. It stayed on the charts for over a year. In 2011, Nek sang a duet with L'Aura on her song "Eclissi del cuore." This was an Italian version of the famous 80s song "Total Eclipse of the Heart" by Bonnie Tyler.
Nek also performed at several humanitarian concerts during this time. He sang at the World Youth Day in Vatican City and at concerts in Assisi and Bologna.
Recent Albums and TV Appearances (2013–Present)
On April 16, 2013, Nek released his eleventh studio album, Filippo Neviani. All the songs on this album were played by Nek himself. The album reached number two on the music charts. The first song from the album was "Congiunzione Astrale." In 2014, Nek received another Lunezia award for this album.
Nek performed at many concerts and festivals. He sang at the RadioItalia Live concert in Milan and at charity concerts. In 2013, he had to cancel his European tour because of vocal cord issues. He needed to rest his voice for two months.
In 2014, Nek received the "Tributo ad Augusto" award. This award is given to artists who are known for their artistic and social work. He also presented the Magna Grecia Awards, which celebrate culture and art. In September, he performed at a humanitarian football match in Rome.
In February 2015, Nek returned to the Sanremo Music Festival. He sang "Fatti avanti amore" and finished in second place. He also won awards for "Best Cover" with his version of "Se telefonando" and for "Best Arrangement" for "Fatti avanti amore." In March 2015, Nek released his twelfth studio album, Prima di parlare, which was followed by a tour.
In 2016, Nek became a coach on the TV talent show Amici di Maria De Filippi. He released the single "Uno di questi giorni," which became very popular. He also performed at the Reventon festival in Los Angeles and at the "Football for Peace" event organized by Pope Francis in Rome.
On October 14, 2016, Nek released his thirteenth studio album, Unici. He then went on a nationwide tour and performed his first concert at the famous Verona Arena in 2017.
In 2024, Nek competed in the Sanremo Music Festival 2024 again. This time, he sang "Pazzo di te" with Francesco Renga.
Nek's Family Life
Nek married Patrizia Vacondio on September 2, 2006. They have a daughter named Beatrice Maria, who was born on September 12, 2010. Nek is a practicing Catholic.
Nek's Albums
- Nek (1992)
- In te (1993)
- Calore umano (1994)
- Lei, gli amici e tutto il resto (1996)
- In due (1998)
- La vita è (2000)
- Le cose da difendere (2002)
- Una parte di me (2005)
- Nella stanza 26 (2006)
- Un'altra direzione (2009)
- Filippo Neviani (2013)
- Prima di parlare (2015)
- Unici (2016)
- Il mio gioco preferito - prima Parte (2019)
- Il mio gioco preferito - seconda parte (2020)
See also
In Spanish: Nek para niños
